Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Fort Worth, Texas, has undergone emergency surgery for a herniated disc, which had been causing him severe pain due to pressure on his sciatic nerve.
The news was shared by his son, James Morris, an associate senior pastor at Gateway. James took to Instagram to provide an update on his father’s condition, stating that the surgery was successful in relieving the sciatic nerve pain, although some post-surgery discomfort remains.
“Hey everyone! Here is a quick update about my dad. While he was on vacation last week, he experienced excruciating back pain. He had a herniated disc that was so large that they had to do immediate surgery this morning because it was pressing against his sciatic nerve,” he posted on Instagram.
The expected recovery time is six to eight weeks, with Pastor Morris planning to return to the pulpit in August as scheduled. In his post, James requests prayers for his father’s quick healing, restful sleep and complete recovery.
“The back surgery was completely successful, and he has no more sciatic nerve pain,” the younger Morris continues. “He does have some pain from the surgery. The total recovery time will be 6-8 weeks, but he will be able to be back in the pulpit preaching in August as planned.
“We would love for you to pray for him as he recovers over the next few weeks.
“Prayer Points:
1. Quick and painless healing process.
2. To be able to sleep well.
3. Complete and total healing.
“Thank you for all your prayers!” the post concludes.
Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church and chancellor of The King’s University, is well known for his bestselling books, including “Take the Day Off,” “The Blessed Life,” “Frequency” and “Beyond Blessed.”
In the past, he gained attention for his challenge to the financially struggling Willow Creek Church, encouraging the congregation to tithe for a year with a money-back guarantee if they were not satisfied. Similarly, Pastor Morris extends the same guarantee to Gateway’s 44,000-member congregation, noting that no one has ever requested a refund in the 22 years of the church’s existence.
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
